Systems, devices, and methods for restraining conductors

ABSTRACT

Certain exemplary embodiments comprise a retainer adapted to restrain a plurality of electrical conductors. The electrical conductors can be operably connectable to one or more circuit breakers. The retainer can be adapted to define a plurality of through-holes. Each of the plurality of through-holes can be adapted to nondestructively receive therethrough a conductor from the plurality of electrical conductors.

BACKGROUND

U.S. Pat. No. 4,998,343 (Costello), which is incorporated by referenceherein in its entirety, allegedly recites an “apparatus for aiding therouting of conductors into an electrical panel distribution box andconnecting the conductors to corresponding circuit breaker terminals ofan electrical distribution panel therein. The apparatus includes aterminal jig having an upper surface, an array of number-coded holesextending through the first plate, a plurality of odd-number indicia onthe upper surface adjacent to the holes, respectively, the holes eachhaving a diameter greater than an outside diameter of the conductors,and a clamp for attaching the first plate to the distribution panelhousing. A plurality of the number-coded conductors of the first groupare pulled through a conduit into an interior of a distribution panelhousing. The terminal jig is attached by the clamp to a lower front lipof the housing. The free ends of the conductors are inserted throughcorrespondingly numbered holes in the terminal jig. The electrical powerdistribution panel is installed in the distribution panel housing. Theconductors are withdrawn, one at a time, from the terminal jig and areelectrically connected to correspondingly numbered terminals of circuitbreakers of the electrical power distribution panel.” See Abstract.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,726,503 (Waddell), which is incorporated by referenceherein in its entirety, allegedly recites an “electrical connectorassembly is provided for terminating a plurality of electrical wires. Anon-conductive connector housing mounts a plurality of signal terminals.A wire management module includes a non-conductive body mounting aplurality of ground terminals. The body positions a plurality of signalconductors and a plurality of ground conductors of the electrical wires,the ground conductors being terminated to the ground terminals. Theground terminals interengage with the connector housing to mount thewire management module to the housing with the signal wire conductors inposition for termination to the signal terminals.” See Abstract.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,893,295 (Lloyd), which is incorporated by referenceherein in its entirety, allegedly recites a “connector for connectingcables to a pin header has a connector body portion that incorporates astrain relief member applied to the cables as part of the connector bodyportion. The strain relief member includes a cable clamp having a seriesof grooves that are separated by intervening land portions. The groovesreceive the cables and particularly space them. A stop is formed in theclamp to isolate the cable end. The leads of the cable are terminated tocorresponding tail portions of contacts of the connector. These tailportions are maintained in the same plane to enhance the electricalperformance of the connector. An insulative material is molded over thetail portions and the cable clamp to form a connector with a cable clampformed integrally with the body of the connector.” See Abstract.

SUMMARY

Certain exemplary embodiments comprise a retainer adapted to restrain aplurality of electrical conductors. The electrical conductors can beoperably connectable to one or more circuit breakers. The retainer canbe adapted to define a plurality of through-holes. Each of the pluralityof through-holes can be adapted to nondestructively receive therethrougha conductor from the plurality of electrical conductors.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A wide variety of potential practical and useful embodiments will bemore readily understood through the following detailed description ofcertain exemplary embodiments, with reference to the accompanyingexemplary drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a system 1000;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a retainer2000;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a retainer 3000;

FIG. 4 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a retainer 4000;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a single-flipsymmetrical snap lock 5000;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a double-flipsymmetrical snap lock 6000;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an exemplary embodiment of a method 7000;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a system 8000;

FIG. 9 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a part of a retainer9000; and

FIG. 10 is a sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of an exemplaryembodiment of a part of a retainer 10000.

DEFINITIONS

When the following terms are used substantively herein, the accompanyingdefinitions apply. These terms and definitions are presented withoutprejudice, and, consistent with the application, the right to redefinethese terms during the prosecution of this application or anyapplication claiming priority hereto is reserved. For the purpose ofinterpreting a claim of any patent that claims priority hereto, eachdefinition (or redefined term if an original definition was amendedduring the prosecution of that patent), functions as a clear andunambiguous disavowal of the subject matter outside of that definition.

-   -   a—at least one.    -   activity—an action, act, step, and/or process or portion        thereof.    -   adapted to—made suitable or fit for a specific use or situation.    -   adapter—a device used to effect operative compatibility between        different parts of one or more pieces of an apparatus or system.    -   after—following in time and/or subsequent to.    -   apparatus—an appliance or device for a particular purpose.    -   assembly—a plurality of coupled components.    -   associated with—related to.    -   attach—to fasten, secure, couple, and/or join.    -   attachable—capable of being fastened, secured, coupled, and/or        joined.    -   axis—a line substantially defined by two points and extending        approximately from a defined point of origin.    -   before—preceding in time and/or prior to.    -   bottom—below relative to a predetermined orientation of an        object.    -   bus bar—a common electrical power terminal to which multiple        circuits are electrically coupled through either fuses or        circuit breakers.    -   can—is capable of, in at least some embodiments.    -   circuit breaker—a device adapted to automatically open an        alternating current electrical circuit.    -   comprise—to include, but not be limited to.    -   comprising—including but not limited to.    -   conductor—substantially capable of transferring electricity from        a first location to a second location.    -   configured to—made suitable or fit for a specific use or        situation.    -   connect—to join or fasten together.    -   couple—to join, connect, and/or link together.    -   coupleable—capable of being joined, connected, and/or linked        together.    -   coupling—linking in some fashion.    -   define—to establish the outline, form, or structure of.    -   device—a machine, manufacture, and/or collection thereof.    -   direction—a distance independent relationship between two points        in space that specifies the position of either with respect to        the other; the relationship by which the alignment or        orientation of any position with respect to any other position        is established.    -   double-flip symmetrical snap lock—a securing system comprising        two pairs of snapably interlockable notches. In certain        embodiments, when interlocked, and when viewing a cross-section        cut perpendicularly to faces of the notches, one pair of notches        is symmetrical when considered as flipped across two mutually        orthogonal fold lines (i.e., when rotated 180 degrees; i.e.,        2-fold rotationally symmetrical) with respect to the other pair.    -   electrical—pertaining to electricity.    -   electrical panel—a housing adapted to contain electrical        components, such as a circuit interrupter, meter, and/or circuit        breaker, adapted to manage electrical energy to an electrical        device and/or in a circuit.    -   end—an extremity of something that defines a length.    -   form—to create and/or define.    -   greater—comparatively higher in magnitude.    -   identify—to ascertain one or more characteristics of.    -   increase—to become greater or more in size, quantity, number,        degree, value, intensity, and/or power, etc.    -   install—to connect or set in position and prepare for use.    -   level—a relative position on a scale.    -   made—produced.    -   may—is allowed and/or permitted to, in at least some        embodiments.    -   medial—situated approximately in a middle portion of an object.    -   method—a process, procedure, and/or collection of related        activities for accomplishing something.    -   motion—changing position or place.    -   mount—to fixedly attach.    -   non-destructively—performed in a manner leaving an object        substantially intact.    -   operably connectable—capable of being connected in at least one        operative embodiment.    -   operably energizable—capable of receiving electrical energy.    -   orientation—a location relative to something else.    -   part—component.    -   perpendicular—substantially at a right angle with respect to a        defined line or defined plane.    -   plurality—the state of being plural and/or more than one.    -   portion—a definable piece or section.    -   predetermined—established in advance.    -   provide—to furnish and/or supply.    -   receive—to take, get, acquire, and/or have bestowed upon.    -   releasably—capable of being freed, in a substantially        non-destructive manner, from something that binds, fastens, or        holds back.    -   repeatedly—again and again; repetitively.    -   require—to make necessary.    -   restrain—to limit and/or restrict.    -   retain—to restrain motion of in at least one direction.    -   retainer—a device adapted to restrain motion of one object        relative to another object in at least one direction.    -   route—to direct on a path.    -   safety label—an item adapted to provide information related to        one or more hazards.    -   sensor—a device or system adapted to detect or perceive        automatically.    -   separation—(n.) a defined space between.    -   separation—(v.) an act of dividing or disconnecting.    -   serpentine shaped—characterized by an undulating contour.    -   set—a related plurality.    -   side—a surface of an object, especially a surface joining a top        and bottom.    -   single-flip symmetrical snap lock—a securing system comprising        two pairs of snapably interlockable notches. In certain        embodiments, when interlocked, and when viewing a cross-section        cut perpendicularly to faces of the notches, one pair of notches        is symmetrical when considered as flipped across a single fold        line (i.e., a mirror image) to the other pair. Thus, when        interlocked, the cross-sectional view has a single axis of        symmetry or line of reflection.    -   slidably—to be able to open, close, and/or fit together with a        sliding motion of a first part relative to a second part.    -   snapably—to be able to open, close, and/or fit together with a        click.    -   space—a gap.    -   substantially—to a great extent or degree.    -   substrate—an underlying layer.    -   support—to bear the weight of, especially from below.    -   system—a collection of mechanisms, devices, data, and/or        instructions, the collection designed to perform one or more        specific functions.    -   therethrough—substantially passing an entire aperture.    -   thermoplastic—a polymeric substance that can be softened by heat        and hardened by cooling in a reversible physical process such        as, for example, GE Noryl SE1-X (available from GE Plastics, of        Pittsfield, Mass.) and/or Asahi Xyron 540V (available from Asahi        Kasei America Inc., of New York, N.Y.), etc.    -   through-hole—an aperture defining substantially constant cross        sectional shape along a longitudinal axis of each aperture.    -   tool—a device adapted to perform or facilitate mechanical work.    -   top—above relative to a predetermined orientation of an object.    -   via—by way of and/or utilizing.    -   volt—a unit of electrical potential. One volt is an amount of        force required to send one ampere of electrical current through        a resistance of one ohm.    -   without—lacking.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain exemplary embodiments provide a retainer adapted to restrain aplurality of electrical conductors. The electrical conductors can beoperably connectable to one or more circuit breakers. The retainer canbe adapted to define a plurality of through-holes. Each of the pluralityof through-holes can be adapted to nondestructively receive therethrougha conductor from the plurality of electrical conductors.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a system 1000,which can comprise an electrical panel 1100. Electrical panel 1100 canbe utilized to electrically couple an electrical source 1200 to anelectrical load 1300. Electrical load 1300 can be associated with ahome, factory, office building, commercial warehouse, store, governmentbuilding, construction site, sports facility, mobile plant, camp site,recreational facility, trailer home, emergency site, and/or farm, etc.

Electrical panel 1100 can comprise a basepan 1400 and/or one or morecircuit breakers, such as circuit breaker 1500. Circuit breaker 1500 canbe operably energizable by 100 volts or greater. A first plurality ofelectrical conductors can electrically couple electrical source 1200 tocircuit breaker 1500. The first plurality of electrical conductors cancomprise a first source conductor 1800, a second source conductor 1820,and a third source conductor 1840. A ground 1860 can be electricallycoupled to circuit breaker 1500. A first retainer 1600 can be snapablycoupled to, and adapted to restrain, first source conductor 1800, secondsource conductor 1820, third source conductor 1840, and/or ground 1860.First retainer 1600 can define corresponding through-holes through whicheach of first source conductor 1800, second source conductor 1820, thirdsource conductor 1840, and/or ground 1860 can pass. First retainer 1600can be adapted to provide a separation between each of first sourceconductor 1800, second source conductor 1820, third source conductor1840, and/or ground 1860 in a vicinity of circuit breaker 1500. Byproviding a separation, first retainer 1600 can be adapted to reduce aprobability of a short circuit condition between two or more of firstsource conductor 1800, second source conductor 1820, third sourceconductor 1840, and/or ground 1860. Each of first source conductor 1800,second source conductor 1820, third source conductor 1840, and/or ground1860 can be operably connectable to one or more circuit breakers, suchas circuit breaker 1500.

A second plurality of electrical conductors can electrically coupleelectrical load 1300 to circuit breaker 1500. The second plurality ofelectrical conductors can comprise a first load conductor 1900, a secondload conductor 1920, and a third load conductor 1940. A second retainer1700 can be snapably coupled to, and adapted to restrain, first loadconductor 1900, second load conductor 1920, and third load conductor1940. In certain exemplary embodiments, ground 1860 can be coupled tosecond retainer 1700. Second retainer 1700 can define correspondingthrough-holes through which each of first load conductor 1900, secondload conductor 1920, third load conductor 1940, and/or ground 1860 canpass. Second retainer 1700 can be adapted to provide a separationbetween each of first load conductor 1900, second load conductor 1920,third load conductor 1940, and/or ground 1860 in a vicinity of circuitbreaker 1500. By providing a separation, second retainer 1700 can beadapted to reduce a probability of a short circuit condition between twoor more of first load conductor 1900, second load conductor 1920, thirdload conductor 1940, and/or ground 1860. Each of first load conductor1900, second load conductor 1920, and/or third load conductor 1940 canbe operably connectable to one or more circuit breakers, such as circuitbreaker 1500.

First retainer 1600 can comprise a first half and a second half, whichcan be snapably coupleable such that each half of first retainer 1600 isrestrained in motion with respect to the other half. Second retainer1700 can comprise a first half and a second half, which can be snapablycoupleable such that each half of second retainer 1700 is restrained inmotion with respect to the other half. Having a two-half snap-fitassembly for first retainer 1600 and/or second retainer 1700 can allowan installation to take place after conductors are connected to circuitbreaker 1500. An electrical coupling of conductors to circuit breaker1500 prior to installation of first retainer 1600 and/or second retainer1700 can improve relative installation ease due to increased conductorflexibility. First retainer 1600 and/or second retainer 1700 canrestrain opposite polarity conductors from making contact with eachother. Conductors can be separated from each other by first retainer1600 and/or second retainer 1700 at a location at a predetermineddistance, such as approximately one inch from circuit breaker 1500.

First retainer 1600 and/or second retainer 1700 can be utilized inreplacing circuit breaker 1500 in the field to improve safety. Firstretainer 1600 and/or second retainer 1700 can be utilized in assemblinga new electrical system 1000 comprising circuit breaker 1500 tofacilitate installation of first source conductor 1800, second sourceconductor 1820, third source conductor 1840, first load conductor 1900,second load conductor 1920, third load conductor 1940, and/or ground1860. First retainer 1600 and/or second retainer 1700 can be relativelyrigid and/or injection molded. First retainer 1600 and/or secondretainer 1700 can be designed such that creep and distortion isrelatively small in magnitude. First retainer 1600 and/or secondretainer 1700 can be beam shaped.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a retainer2000, which can be made of plastic and/or any other snapably coupleablematerial. Retainer 2000 can comprise a safety label 2400, which can beadapted to identify an orientation and/or location of conductors.

In certain exemplary embodiments, retainer 2000 can be adapted to keeptwo or more conductors separated and/or to keep the two or moreconductors from making contact with each other during circuit breakerreplacement or removal. In certain exemplary embodiments, retainer 2000can utilize a two-part snap-fit assembly, which can facilitate analignment of conductors for electrically coupling to the circuitbreaker. In certain exemplary embodiments, retainer 2000 can comprise asingle openable part, which can comprise two hinged parts. Thus,retainer 2000 can comprise a first part 2200, which can define a firstset of channels. Retainer 2000 can comprise second part 2300, which candefine a second set of channels. First part 2200 can be snapablycoupleable to second part 2300 to mate the first set of channels withthe second set of channels thereby forming a plurality of through-holes2100. In the orientation illustrated in FIG. 2, first part 2200 can be atop portion of retainer 2000 and second part 2300 can be a bottomportion. In a rotated orientation, first part 2200 can be a side portionof retainer 2000. First part 2200 and second part 2300 can be snapablycoupleable without a tool. Once snapably coupled, first part 2200 andsecond part 2300 can be relatively difficult to separate without a tool.

Each of plurality of through-holes 2100 can be adapted tonondestructively receive therethrough a single conductor from aplurality of electrical conductors. Through-holes 2100 can be largerthan corresponding conductors. In certain exemplary embodiments,conductors can be held in place, relative to other conductors, by thestructure of retainer 2000.

In certain exemplary embodiments, retainer 2000 can be a two-partassembly, which can utilize snaps to interlock each of the two parts.Thus, retainer 2000 can be made of two snapably coupleable parts. Thetwo plastic parts can be substantially similar in design and/orconstruction. Retainer 2000 can comprise three points of fastening, oneat each end and one intermediate.

In certain exemplary embodiments, retainer 2000 can be a hinged one-partassembly adapted to be snapably closed to define plurality ofthrough-holes 2100. Such embodiments can comprise a point of fasteningat the unhinged end of retainer 2000 as well as an intermediate point offastening.

In certain exemplary embodiments, Retainer 2000 can comprise asingle-flip symmetrical snap lock on at least one end, such assingle-flip symmetrical snap lock 5000 illustrated in FIG. 5. In certainexemplary embodiments, retainer 2000 can comprise a single-flipsymmetrical snap lock on each end.

Retainer 2000 can define plurality of through-holes 2100. Plurality ofthrough-holes 2100 can have a similar spacing to that of terminals of acorresponding circuit breaker. Each snapable lock comprised by retainer2000 can be adapted for installation without utilizing tools ormachinery. Once snapably coupled, each snapable lock of retainer 2000can be sufficiently strong to make separation difficult without tools.Parts of retainer 2000 can be made of a thermoplastic material. Retainer2000 can comprise safety labeling to identify orientation of installedconductors. In certain exemplary embodiments, the retainer can comprisean intermediate double-flip symmetrical snap lock, such as double-flipsymmetrical snap lock 6000 illustrated in FIG. 6. Once snapably coupled,the retainer can be designed to remain in a coupled state.

Certain exemplary embodiments of retainer 2000 can utilize two snapablycoupleable parts that are substantially flat and adapted to install fromside to side instead of top to bottom.

After electrically coupling conductors of opposite polarity to thecircuit breaker, a first part of retainer 2000 can be held over theconductors while keeping associated half through-holes aligned withrespective conductors. A second part of retainer 2000 can be positionedunder and aligned with the conductors. The first part of retainer 2000can then be snapably coupled to the second part of retainer 2000. Onceretainer 2000 is assembled over and around the conductors, retainer 2000can be slid to adjust a location of retainer 2000 relative to thecircuit breaker. Retainer 2000 can be snapably coupled whileelectrically coupling conductors of proper polarity to correspondingcircuit breaker terminals.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a retainer 3000,which can be characterized by a width 3100. Width 3100 can beapproximately, in inches, 0.1, 0.125, 0.29, 0.34, 0.657, 0.975, 1, 1.26,1.887, 2, 3.5, 4, and/or any value or subrange therebetween.

FIG. 4 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a retainer 4000,which can be characterized by a length 4100. Length 4100 can beapproximately, in inches, 1, 1.175, 2.26, 3, 4.25, 6.975, 7, 8.62,10.875, 12, and/or any value or subrange therebetween. Retainer 4000 canbe characterized by a thickness 4200, which can be approximately, ininches, 0.12, 0.25, 0.35, 0.590, 0.75, 0.83, 1.65, 1.88, 2.3, 3, and/orany value or subrange therebetween. Retainer 4000 can define a pluralityof through-holes, each of which can be characterized by a diameter 4600.The diameters of the plurality of through-holes can be similar and/ordifferent from each other. Diameter 4600 can be approximately, ininches, 0.125, 0.27, 0.4, 0.540, 0.75, 0.9, 1.25, 1.66, 2.5, 3, and/orany value or subrange therebetween. The plurality of through-holes canbe characterized by spacings such as first spacing 4300, second spacing4400, and third spacing 4500. First spacing 4300, second spacing 4400,and/or third spacing 4500 can be approximately, in inches, 0.5, 0.67,0.84, 1.060, 1.75, 1.80, 1.820, 2.66, 2.5, 3.5, and/or any value orsubrange therebetween.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a single-flipsymmetrical snap lock 5000, which can comprise an end snap 5100 and anend snap receiver 5200. Single-flip symmetrical snap lock 5000 can becharacterized by an end snap width 5300, which can be approximately, ininches, 0.02, 0.05, 0.094, 0.115, 0.166, 0.22, 0.3, 0.56, 0.61, 0.75,and/or any value or subrange therebetween. Single-flip symmetrical snaplock 5000 can be characterized by an end snap length 5400, which can beapproximately, in inches, 0.09, 0.15, 0.229, 0.335, 0.467, 0.6, 0.723,0.88, 1.16, 1.25, and/or any value or subrange therebetween. Single-flipsymmetrical snap lock 5000 can be characterized by an end snap receiverlength 5600, which can be approximately, in inches, 0.05, 0.092, 0.11,0.174, 0.222, 0.37, 0.429, 0.55, 0.6, 0.75, and/or any value or subrangetherebetween. Single-flip symmetrical snap lock 5000 can becharacterized by an end snap receiver angle 5500, which can beapproximately, in degrees, 7.5, 10.12, 14, 23, 31.22, 35.7, 36, 39.99,41.2, 45, and/or any value or subrange therebetween.

Single-flip symmetrical snap lock 5000 can be designed such that aninstaller might not utilize any tools or machines. Once snapablycoupled, single-flip symmetrical snap lock 5000 can be relativelydifficult to separate without tools. Relatively secure retention bysingle-flip symmetrical snap lock 5000 can provide a securement that isrelatively resistant to separation once installed, thereby keepingenergized electrical conductors separated.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a double-flipsymmetrical snap lock 6000, which can be characterized by a first snaplock depth 6100. First snap lock depth 6100 can be approximately, ininches, 0.05, 0.092, 0.11, 0.174, 0.222, 0.37, 0.429, 0.55, 0.6, 0.75,and/or any value or subrange therebetween. Double-flip symmetrical snaplock 6000 can be characterized by a second snap lock depth 6200, whichcan be approximately, in inches, 0.05, 0.109, 0.123, 0.174, 0.25, 0.333,0.472, 0.65, 0.77, 1.0, and/or any value or subrange therebetween.Double-flip symmetrical snap lock 6000 can be characterized by a snaplock thickness 6300, which can be approximately, in inches, 0.02, 0.031,0.039, 0.04, 0.06, 0.099, 0.10, 0.165, 0.177, 0.25, and/or any value orsubrange therebetween. Double-flip symmetrical snap lock 6000 can becharacterized by a snap lock angle 6400, which can be approximately, indegrees, 45, 52.3, 55.1, 57, 59.6, 60, 65.6, 68.7, 77.2, 85, and/or anyvalue or subrange therebetween.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an exemplary embodiment of a method 7000. Atactivity 7100, a retainer can be provided and/or obtained. The retainercan be adapted to define a plurality of through-holes. Each of theplurality of through-holes can be adapted to nondestructively receivetherethrough a single conductor from a plurality of electricalconductors. The retainer can comprise a first part, which can define afirst set of channels. The retainer can comprise a second part, whichcan define a second set of channels. The first part can be snapablycoupleable to the second part to mate the first set of channels with thesecond set of channels thereby forming the plurality of through-holes

At activity 7200, a circuit breaker can be provided and/or obtained. Thecircuit breaker can be operably energizable by electrical energy of 100volts or greater.

At activity 7300, an electrical panel can be provided and/or obtained.

At activity 7400, the plurality of electrical conductors can be providedand/or obtained. The plurality of electrical conductors can be operablyconnectable to the circuit breaker.

At activity 7500, the circuit breaker can be installed in the electricalpanel. At activity 7600, the plurality of electrical conductors can beinstalled to corresponding terminals of the circuit breaker.

At activity 7700, the retainer can be installed. In certain exemplaryembodiments, the retainer can be installed after the plurality ofelectrical conductors is operably connected to the circuit breaker. Incertain exemplary embodiments, the retainer can be installed before theplurality of electrical conductors is operably connected to the circuitbreaker. In certain exemplary embodiments, the retainer can be installedapproximately one inch from the circuit breaker. The retainer can beadapted to restrain two or more of the plurality of electricalconductors, thereby reducing a probability of a short circuit betweentwo or more of the plurality of electrical conductors. In certainexemplary embodiments, the retainer can be installed substantiallywithout tools

At activity 7800, conductors can be removed from the circuit breaker. Incertain exemplary embodiments, the conductors can be deenergized priorto removal from terminals of the circuit breaker.

At activity 7900, the retainer can be removed. In certain exemplaryembodiments, one or more tools can be utilized to separate two parts ofthe retainer.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a system 8000,which can comprise a retainer 8100. Retainer 8100 can be adapted torestrain a plurality of electrical conductors such as a first electricalconductor 8200, a second electrical conductor 8300, a third electricalconductor 8400, and a fourth electrical conductor 8500.

FIG. 9 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a part of a retainer9000, which can comprise a set of channels, such as channel 9100.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of an exemplaryembodiment of a part of a retainer 10000.

Note

Still other practical and useful embodiments will become readilyapparent to those skilled in this art from reading the above-reciteddetailed description and drawings of certain exemplary embodiments. Itshould be understood that numerous variations, modifications, andadditional embodiments are possible, and accordingly, all suchvariations, modifications, and embodiments are to be regarded as beingwithin the spirit and scope of this application.

Thus, regardless of the content of any portion (e.g., title, field,background, summary, abstract, drawing figure, etc.) of thisapplication, unless clearly specified to the contrary, such as via anexplicit definition, assertion, or argument, with respect to any claim,whether of this application and/or any claim of any application claimingpriority hereto, and whether originally presented or otherwise:

-   -   there is no requirement for the inclusion of any particular        described or illustrated characteristic, function, activity, or        element, any particular sequence of activities, or any        particular interrelationship of elements;    -   any elements can be integrated, segregated, and/or duplicated;    -   any activity can be repeated, performed by multiple entities,        and/or performed in multiple jurisdictions; and    -   any activity or element can be specifically excluded, the        sequence of activities can vary, and/or the interrelationship of        elements can vary.

Moreover, when any number or range is described herein, unless clearlystated otherwise, that number or range is approximate. When any range isdescribed herein, unless clearly stated otherwise, that range includesall values therein and all subranges therein. For example, if a range of1 to 10 is described, that range includes all values therebetween, suchas for example, 1.1, 2.5, 3.335, 5, 6.179, 8.9999, etc., and includesall subranges therebetween, such as for example, 1 to 3.65, 2.8 to 8.14,1.93 to 9, etc.

Any information in any material (e.g., a United States patent, UnitedStates patent application, book, article, etc.) that has beenincorporated by reference herein, is only incorporated by reference tothe extent that no conflict exists between such information and theother statements and drawings set forth herein. In the event of suchconflict, including a conflict that would render invalid any claimherein or seeking priority hereto, then any such conflicting informationin such incorporated by reference material is specifically notincorporated by reference herein.

Accordingly, the descriptions and drawings are to be regarded asillustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.

1. A method comprising a plurality of activities, said plurality ofactivities comprising: installing a retainer adapted to restrain aplurality of electrical conductors, the electrical conductors operablyconnectable to one or more circuit breakers operably energizable by 100volts or greater, said retainer adapted to define a plurality ofthrough-holes, each of said plurality of through-holes adapted tonondestructively receive therethrough a single conductor from saidplurality of electrical conductors, said retainer comprising: a firstpart defining a first set of channels; and a second part defining asecond set of channels, said first part snapably coupleable to saidsecond part to mate said first set of channels with said second set ofchannels thereby forming said plurality of through-holes; wherein saidretainer comprises a single-flip symmetrical snap lock.
 2. The method ofclaim 1, wherein said installing activity is performed after saidplurality of electrical conductors is operably connected to said one ormore circuit breakers.
 3. A device comprising: a retainer adapted torestrain a plurality of electrical conductors, the electrical conductorsoperably connectable to one or more circuit breakers operablyenergizable by 100 volts or greater, said retainer adapted to define aplurality of through-holes, each of said plurality of through-holesadapted to nondestructively receive therethrough a single conductor fromsaid plurality of electrical conductors, said retainer comprising: afirst part defining a first set of channels; and a second part defininga second set of channels, said first part snapably coupleable to saidsecond part to mate said first set of channels with said second set ofchannels thereby forming said plurality of through-holes; wherein saidretainer comprises a single-flip symmetrical snap lock.
 4. The method ofclaim 1, wherein said first part is snapably coupleable to said secondpart via a single-flip symmetrical snap lock, said single-flipsymmetrical snap lock comprising an end snap and an end snap receiver.5. The method of claim 1, wherein said first part is snapably coupleableto said second part via a single-flip symmetrical snap lock in each end.6. The method of claim 1, wherein said first part is snapably coupleableto said second part via a double-flip symmetrical snap lock.
 7. Themethod of claim 1, wherein said first part is snapably coupleable tosaid second part via a single-flip symmetrical snap lock and adouble-flip symmetrical snap lock.
 8. The method of claim 1, whereinsaid first part is coupleable to said second part via a first point offastening on a first end, a second point of fastening on a second end,and an intermediate point of fastening between said first end and saidsecond end.